VLADIVOSTOK, July 17. /ITAR-TASS/. The Russian-Indian joint naval drills, Indra-2014, entered their active stage in the Russian Far East on Thursday.

Ships from the Russian and Indian naval forces are practicing missions to overcome enemy minefields, make helicopter deck landings and organize air defense.

The Indra drills have been held alternately in Russia and India since 2003. Last autumn, the drills took place in India. The current maneuvers will be completed on July 19.

The Russian naval force involved in the drills includes the Varyag guided missile cruiser, the Admiral Vinogradov large anti-submarine destroyer and the Peresvet large amphibious assault ship, as well as seaborne helicopters and aircraft, Russia’s Pacific Fleet spokesman Roman Martov told ITAR-TASS.

India’s naval task force taking part in the drills includes the Ranvijai destroyer, the Shivalik frigate and the Shakti supply vessel.